Serving like Jesus: Meeting needs, changing lives

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus models a life of compassionate service—constantly seeking out the vulnerable, meeting their needs, and transforming lives. Hundreds of believers across North Carolina followed His example by partnering with Baptist Children's Homes (BCH), and serving at this year's Spring Friends of Children (FOC) events. More than 500 individuals from churches, small groups, and families stepped up—completing vital projects, donating needed goods, and pouring hours of hands-on love into the lives of BCH's children, adults, and families.

One church in particular has taken their commitment to a deeper level. First Baptist Church of Richlands has long been a faithful presence at Kennedy Home's (KH) FOC events, but recently felt God calling them to something more.

Pastors Mike Johnston and Stephen Budd began asking behind-the-scenes questions: Who gets everything ready at an FOC event? Who cleans up after the crowds are gone? They discovered a mountain of invisible work—logistics, prep, cleanup—all necessary for a successful FOC. Their response was simple, yet powerful: "How can we help?"

For the last four FOC weekends, FBC Richlands has served as lead volunteers—handling set-up, tear-down, and everything in between. But their service hasn't stopped at logistics. The team has become a spiritual support system for the KH staff. They've brought meals, gifted staff with tokens of appreciation, and—most meaningfully—offered intentional prayer over every staff member.

On the Friday before each event, FBC Richlands arrives to prepare for the 200+ volunteers who will serve the next day, setting up tables and staging tools. They return early Saturday morning with breakfast in hand, ready to check-in volunteers, fire up grills, serve lunch, and, when the crowd disperses, clean and reset the campus.

Pastor Stephen Budd reflected on the impact: "It's a blessing to come and be intentional and get to know those who are serving at Kennedy Home. We don't do anything giant, but it's the simple acts of caring, loving, and serving that hopefully make an impact. Every time we come, it's a different cross section of our church people. It has really opened our eyes to the need for foster parents and cottage parents because people are seeing the needs firsthand. Moving forward, we're looking for ways to also come alongside and support foster families in our own community. We recognize not everyone is called to foster, but there's something we can all do."

The tireless work of FBC Richlands allows KH staff to focus on what matters most: caring for residents and connecting with volunteers. Each task completed—whether raking leaves or serving hotdogs—frees up resources that can be reinvested in programs that directly impact lives. Yet, the true power of FOC isn't just the projects—it's the relationships formed and the message of worth communicated through the loving presence of volunteers.

We're actively looking for churches who are willing to step into the role of lead volunteers—just like FBC Richlands—for the upcoming fall events. Your leadership can make a tremendous difference in creating a smooth, welcoming, and Christ-centered experience for all who serve.

Contact me, if you'd like to take the next step in serving. While BCH looks forward to another impactful Fall Friends of Children, you don't have to wait until then to get involved.

Will you commit to being a Prayer Partner today? Your prayers are one of the most powerful gifts you offer. By signing up, you'll receive a monthly email from BCH CEO David Melber with specific ways to pray for the children, adults, and families in care. Visit bchfamily.org/prayer to sign up.

Let's serve the vulnerable—just like Jesus—by actively seeking needs, stepping into the messy, and sharing the hope of Christ.

Visit bchfamily.org/volunteer to "Find Your Spot" to serve.

Written by Kristyn Butts, BCH Director of Volunteer Engagement